Up From The Ashes
Up From The Ashes
To the Editor:
What tragedy has visited our community. The Treadwell Park Committee and the Newtown Lions are still reeling at the awful event of Wednesday night, the torching of the new playground only three days after we had installed it. Though stunned, we have regrouped and are determined to forge ahead. To not continue our building program would be to say to the evil people who set the blaze that they have won. To not push forward would also be a great loss to the children of Newtown. The wonderful structure we had put in, phase one for children 2-5, was 100 percent handicapped accessible, while phase two for children 5-12 will be 60 percent accessible. Exciting tunnels, slides, ladders, and swings are all part of both of these colorful aluminum modular playgrounds. We cannot give up this dream for Newtown just because of an event of evil.
Many distraught citizens have asked what they could do about this evil event casting gloom over our town. Two immediate things can be done and one in the future. People can support our rebuilding efforts by supporting our Casino Night at the Fireside on Saturday, November 11, from 6:30 to midnight. Tickets cost $45, but that includes ten chips and hors dâoeuvres. There will be many wonderful prizes offered at the silent and live auctions concluding the gambling such as a week at a condo in Florida, a Joe Namath signed football, tickets to Mets and Jets games, autographed books by Martha Stewart, autographed books and signed paintings by Bruce Deegan and Stephen Kellogg, a $500 savings bond, a case of good French wine, an airplane ride for three, glider ride for one, twelve rolls of wall papering done, music lessons on clarinet or saxophone, and many more fine items both large and small.
The second thing sympathetic Newtowners might do is to send a check to the Treadwell Playground Committee at the Newtown Savings Bank. Star 99.9 and Dr Hank Gellert and the workers in his office, forgoing a Christmas party, have generously started a fund there for us. Checks should be made out to the Treadwell Park Playground Committee and sent to the bank.
Lastly, when we raise enough money to build the small playground again and later when we have raised the money for the larger playground, we would welcome your help on the day of the construction. Who knows, but that out of this dark deed some good might come.
Sincerely,
Tamara Marks and Gordon Williams
Co-Chairmen
32 Main Street, Newtown              October 30, 2000